Word Origin & History
linkmid-15c., "one of a series of rings or loops which form a chain," probably from O.N. *hlenkr (cf. O.Swed. lænker "chain, link," Norw. lenke, Dan. lænke), from P.Gmc. *khlankijaz (cf. Ger. lenken "to bend, turn, lead," gelenk "articulation, joint, link," O.E. hlencan (pl.) "armor"), from PIE
base *qleng- "to bend." The verb (late 14c.) is believed to be from the noun, though it is attested earlier. Missing link between man and apes dates to 1880.
links"undulating sandy ground," 1728, from Scottish/Northumbrian link "sandy, rolling ground near seashore," from O.E. hlinc "rising ground, ridge;" perhaps from the same P.Gmc. root as
lean (v.); cf. O.E. hlinan "to lean." This type of landscape in Scotland was where golf first
was played; the word has been part of the names of golf courses since at least 1728.